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Biographies
History of Olmstead County
Minnesota
Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910
ABERWALD, JOHN J. -----one of the
prominent residents of Rochester, was born in Grafton, Wisconsin,
March 17, 1850, a son of Theodore, a shoemaker by occupation, and
Gertrude (Losing) Aberwald, Who were natives of Germany, and died at
Grafton.
John J.
Aberwald received his education in the German Catholic parish
school at Grafton and when 19 years old started out in life for
himself. He came to Rochester in 1869, and for one season secured
employment with Mr. Henry Schuster, Sr., and then, for two and a
half years, clerked in the dry goods establishment of Andrew Nelson.
He subsequently purchased a saloon owned by a Mr. Markham and has
been engaged in this line of business ever since, one year, however,
having been spent in extensive traveling. Mr. Aberwald has
successfully conducted three different places during his business
career, the last one being secured from his former employer, Henry
Schuster. On June 1, 1910, he retired from the active business cares
of life and is at present residing in Rochester.
On January 7, 1873, he was united in marriage with
Miss Katherine O’Rourke, a native of Canada, who came to this city
when 2 years of age, and was here educated and reared to womanhood,
and to them the following children have been born: Mrs. Gertrude
Welch, of Rochester; Luey, druggist at St. Paul and treasurer of the
Pharmacists Association; Mary, now Mrs. Stout, of Ellendale,
Minnesota; Joseph E., engaged in the clothing business at St. Paul;
Grace, Mrs. Francis Madigan, of Mankato; Nora; James R., in railroad
business at St. Paul; Frank J., with New York City Hippodrome;
Walter J., at home; Paul J., at home; and Jennette, also at home.
Mr. Aberwald has always been a staunch Democrat in his
political views and has taken an active interest in local movements
of importance. He is a member of the Catholic church, and socially
is identified with the German Literary Society and the St. Joseph
Society, having served as president of the latter organization for
years. He is an extensive real estate owner, having a fine farm of
100 acres near Rochester, and also several residences in the city
proper. Mr. Aberwald has always been of a progressive, public
spirited nature, has made life a success and is well liked and
respected by his fellowmen.
ADMUNDSEN, ERICK E. -----was born
in Dane county, Wisconsin, January 16, 1855, and is a son of Eliff
and Gertrude Amundsen, both of whom were natives of Norway, who came
to the United States at an early to Olmsted county and took up a
tract of government land in section 27, Salem township, and there
spent the remainder of their lives. They were industrious and
law-abiding people, and became well known and were highly respected
for their correct and blameless lives and good conduct. The father
was one of the founders of St. Olaf’s Church, and when he passed
away in 1906 he was laid at rest in the family lot in the adjoining
cemetery. His wife, who passed away in 1908, sleeps her last sleep
by his side. They built up a large and valuable property during
their useful lives.
Erick E. spent his youth assisting his parents on the farm
and in attending the district schools in the winters. In 1909 he
married Miss Gruna Larson, a native of Norway, and their union has
been a happy one. They reside on the old homestead in a beautiful
new modern house which is tastefully furnished and decorated with
choice samples of needlework done by Mrs. Amundsen. They have a
large, fine barn and cement walks and many other up-to-date comforts
and conveniences, all obtained by their own industry and sound
management. They worship at St. Olaf’s Church, where they
hold membership. Mr. Amundsen is a Republican and takes much
interest in all public affairs. He holds stock in the Telephone,
Lumber and Creamery Companies. Ole Amundsen was born in Salem
township, December 11, 1857, and lives on an adjoining farm. In 1886
he married Miss Anna Johnson, a native of Norway, and they have
three children: George, Julia and
Agnes.
ALDERSON, ANTHONY -----supervisor of Oronoco township,
was born in the state of Wisconsin, February 9. 1862, a son of
Richard and Catharine (Dean) Alderson, who were natives of Germany
and England, respectively. Richard Alderson was a farmer in
Wisconsin after coming to America, but, in 1866, he came to Olmsted
county, Minnesota, and purchased the farm in Oronoco township now
conducted by the subject of this sketch. Here he died, in May, 1903,
preceded by his wife some eighteen years. Their children were:
Elizabeth, who died in Wisconsin; William, a resident of Hastings,
Minnesota; Clara whose death occurred in Oronoco township in 1902;
Anthony, George and Fred, the latter two residing in Rochester. Mr.
and Mrs. Alderson were Methodists, and he held several local offices
of trust in his township.
Anthony Alderson received a common school education in
youth. and has made
farming his life’s occupation. He owns the old homestead farm,
consisting of 170 acres, adjoining which his brother Fred owns 148
acres. He raises livestock, and, in connection with farming, is also
interested in dairying. He was married in June, 1896, to Miss Mary
Rodius. He is a Republican, has been township supervisor eleven
years and is one of Olmsted county’s best
citizens.
ALKER, IRVING -----a native of
Olmsted county, is the son of Samuel and Eliza (Searls) Alker, of
Oronoco. He was educated in the public schools, and has made farming
his vocation through life. For eight years he has owned and
resided on his present farm of 140 acres in New Haven township,
which is devoted to the cultivation of small grain, stock raising
and dairying.
In April, 1893, he was united in marriage with
Miss Hettie Packard, who was born January 25, 1862, on the site of
the present Central school property in Rochester, Minnesota. Mrs.
Alker is the twin sister of Mrs. Helen Truax, daughter of Henry
Clinton Packard. Mr. Packard was a native of
Pennsylvania and came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1858 and here met
and in 1860 married Martha O. Carpenter. The Packard home was
in Rochester several years, but later removed to a farm in New Haven
township, which is yet in possession of the family. Mr. Packard died
November 22, 1903, and was buried in Pine Island cemetery. To Mr.
and Mrs. Alker there have been born three sons, as follows: Lee H.,
October 29, 1895; Lynn C., June 1, 1897; and Walter I., May 22,
1904. Mr.
Alker is one of the modern, intelligent farmers of the
county. He is a Republican with independent tendencies, and is now
filling his second year as township supervisor. He belongs to the
Odd Fellows, having filled all the offices of his lodge, and also
holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. The mother of
Mrs. Alker makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Alker, and they have
also taken into the family John Snyder, born April 12, 1899. The
mother of John Snyder was Mary Packard) Snyder, born in Rochester,
February 6, 1864. and died May 9, 1899, and was buried in Pine
Island cemetery.
ALLEN, GEORGE WESLEY -----one of Olmsted county’s
pioneer farmers and stock raisers, was born in Marion township, this
county, October 7, 1862, a son of George Allen, deceased, and Sarah
(Cooper) Allen, appropriate mention of whom appears elsewhere in
this work. Of six children born to his parents he was the fifth, and
was reared in and educated in the district schools of his native
township.
He assisted in the work of the home farm until his marriage,
on October 5, 1898, to Miss Margaret Johnston. who was born February 28,
1864, the fourth child of Isaac Johnston, of Kalmar township,
Olmsted county. The Johnston’s were early settlers in that part of
the country, and there Margaret was educated and reared to
womanhood. Shortly after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Allen took
place they removed onto the farm where they now reside. Mr. Allen
has followed farming as his life’s vocation and also is interested
largely in stock raising. He owns 132 acres of finely cultivated
farm land and is a stockholder and secretary of the creamery near
the village of Marion. In politics he is a staunch Republican, is
active in all the local movements of his party and has served as
township treasurer for four years. In his religious views he is
identified with the Methodist church and is regarded as one of the
public-spirited, up-to-date farmers of the
community.
ALLEN, JOSEPH WILLIAM -----who
for many years engaged in farming in Marion township, and is now a
merchant at Predmore, was born in Marion township, March 31, 1864,
the youngest of six children born to the union of George and Sarah
(Cooper) Allen, natives of England. The father was born February 25,
1827, in Yorkshire, England, and was there reared, educated and
married. Shortly after the above union took place, Mr. and Mrs. Allen
left their native country and came to America, locating in Ohio,
where they remained three years. In about 1854 they came to
Minnesota, purchased a tract of land in Marion township, Olmsted
county, improved and cultivated same, and four years later disposed
of it. They then bought 200 acres in the same locality and resided
thereon until their respective deaths. The father passed away in
1906, aged seventy-nine years. He and his wife were blessed with six
children, two dying in infancy, and the other four named Mary Ann,
Sarah Jane, George Wesley and Joseph William. Mr.
Allen was one of the pioneers of Olmsted county and took a prominent
part in its growth and development. He was a lifelong Republican and
a member of the Methodist church.
The last of the above named
children, Joseph W. Allen received his education in the district
schools of Marion township, and remained at home with his parents
until his marriage, on November 25, 1886, to Miss Aurilla McCaleb.
She was born in Marion township, the daughter of H. G. McCaleb, a
pioneer farmer of this locality, and Marjory Hoover McCaleb. Mr. and
Mrs. McCaleb came to Olmsted county at an early date, settled first
in Pleasant Grove township, and later in Marion township, and passed
their remaining days in the latter place. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen six
sons have been born, as follows: LeRoy Everett, Fay Burdett, one who
died in infancy, unnamed. Floyd La Salle, George Herbert and Glenn
William.
Until February, 1906 Mr. Allen engaged in
farming, and at present owns 170 acres of finely improved land. He then
opened his present establishment at Predmore and has since been thus
actively engaged. In his political views Mr. Allen is a Republican
and he has always taken an active interest in the administration of
local public affairs. He has served as town supervisor and for
twenty-two years was school treasurer. He and
family are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
he is a trustee, and are highly respected residents of the community
in which they reside.
ALLEN, DR. WILSON ALDOLPHUS
-----by reason of many years spent in the conscientious practice of
his profession in Olmsted county, has acquired the reputation of
being one of the most distinguished of the local medical
practitioners. His birth occurred March 6, 1834, in Pendleton,
Indiana, and he was one of a family of eight born to the union of
William Allen, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Sarah Prather, of
West Virginia. The progenitors of the Allen family in this country
were three brothers, of English extraction, who came from
Switzerland and located in New England and the Carolinas at a very
early date. Joseph Allen, the grandfather of Dr. Allen, settled with
his family in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1809, and there spent the
balance of his life farming.
William Allen, the father of our
subject, worked on his father’s farm for a time, and married in that
county, but later removed to the unsettled heart of Madison county,
same state, purchased a tract of land there and by hard work and
intelligent cultivation added greatly to his properties and became a
very successful farmer. He was a man of unusually sound judgment and
took an active interest in the advancement and development of the
county.
He was regarded by all who knew him as a representative man
and a public-spirited citizen, and although he took an active
interest in all political affairs, he never aspired to any of the
higher offices. Eight children were born to Mr.
Allen and wife, four now living, as follows: Benjamin F., of
Glencoe, Minnesota; Mrs. H. A. Mann, of Wells county, Indiana;
Mrs. C. W. Wynany, of Hendricks county, Indiana, and Dr. Wilson
A.
The latter received his
elementary education in the district schools of Pendleton, Indiana,
and later entered the seminary at that place. Subsequently he
attended Franklyn College, Johnston county, Indiana, and after
completing the course there was professor of mathematics for one
year in Pendleton Seminary. He engaged in the drug business and
continued to study and practice as a druggist for four years. Not
being satisfied with this branch of the business, and in order to
become more proficient in his knowledge of drugs, he began the study
of medicine, with the view of practicing under the direction of T.
G. Mitchell, M. D., of Pendleton, Indiana, and continued with him in
study and practice for five years. In 1865 he moved to Plainview,
Minnesota, and resumed the practice, continuing there for five
years. Later, he went to Chicago and attended the Halmemann Medical
College. He was graduated with honors from this institution in 1879,
and four years later also completed the post-graduate course of that
school. In 1872 he then came to Rochester, secured offices in the
Leland block, and has since been actively and successfully engaged
at his work here. The doctor has given much study to the advancement
of his profession and is the inventor of the invalid elevator, a
device used in the raising and removing of the sick without the
customary pull and strain on the patient. This invention has been
patented in America, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France and
Belgium, and as it really does away with many of the attendant aches
and suffering caused by moving the sick and suffering, it is
destined for a great future. It should be a source of much comfort
and gratification to Dr. Allen to know that he has been instrumental
in the relief of so many sufferers.
Aside from his medical work, the
doctor has served as mayor of the city of Rochester and has taken
much interest in his social relations with his fellowmen. He is a
Knight Templar and thirty second degree Mason, a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, the State Homeopathic Association and the American
Institute of Homeopathy.
On October 25, 1855, he was united in marriage
with Miss Flora S. Huston, a daughter of John Huston, a pioneer
shipbuilder at Portsmouth, Ohio. To this union one son, Caison
Monroe, the present cashier of the First State Bank of Wycoff,
Fillmore county, Minnesota has been born. By reason of his work in
the field of invention Dr. Allen was elected a member of the Academy
of Inventors, Paris, France, and was tendered a gold medal by that
organization. By earnest and conscientious work he has risen to a
position of honor and respect among his fellowmen, and is one of the
oldest and foremost medical practitioners of Olmsted
county.
AMOS, HOWARD WILL -----a well known and successful
farmer, is now residing on a tract of 80 acres in section 5, Dover
township. He is a son
of Charles and Augusta Amos, his parents being influential farmers
of Little Valley, Olmsted county who came here from Pennsylvania at
an early date.
Howard Will was born on his father’s farm in Little
Valley on November 3, 1882, and attended the local schools until he
had attained the age of 19 years, in the meantime assisting his
father with the work of the home farm. Since his marriage Mr. Amos
has been engaged in farming on his present place. He is a Republican
in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On December 12, 1905, he married Miss Ida Ketchum, daughter
of Jerome and Ellen Ketchum, who are among the most prominent
farmers and citizens of the whole county, and of whom additional
information is to be found elsewhere in this work. Their names are
indelibly printed on the history of southern Minnesota, and
particularly of this county, where they have lived so long and are
so well known. To Howard W. Amos and wife two children have been
born, named Orville and Gladys.
ANDERSON, KNUD -----was born in Denmark on March 2, 1840, and
is a son of Andrus and Karlina, who passed their entire lives in the
old country. They both were the representatives of good families,
and followed the occupation of farming. Their son Knud, the subject
of this sketch, was reared in the old country and was there taught
the art of farming, and was given a good education in the local
schools. He married Anna Nelson in the fatherland and soon afterward
crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States and settled
permanently in this county. He bought 160 acres in section 9, Rock
Dell township, and began to improve the same. By industry, economy
and sound judgment he subdued the wildness of the place and now has
one of the best farms in the township. He has good buildings and a
fine orchard and around the buildings is a beautiful grove. He is a
member of the United Brethren church and holds stock in the Zumbro
Creamery Company. His children are named as follows: Andrew, S.
Nels, Rudolph, Mary, Sophia and
Dekmore.
ANDERSON, DR. P. -----well-known
veterinary surgeon of Rochester, was born in Guelph, Ontario,
Canada, October 7, 1863, a son of James and Margaret (Smart)
Anderson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father is still
living in the enjoyment of good health, and is by occupation a stock
breeder. His wife died some time ago.
Their son, P. Anderson, received
his early education in the public schools of Ontario, Canada, and
subsequently attended the high school at Guelph. He then took a two
years’ course in the Ontario Agricultural College, graduating
therefrom with the degree of B. S. A., and after farming for a
period of three years, entered the Toronto Veterinary College, and
was graduated with honors from that institution with the class of
1888. He immediately came to Rochester, Minnesota, and has here ever
since been actively and successfully engaged at his profession,
specializing in dentistry and surgery. Dr. Anderson is a charter
member of the State Veterinary Association and was the first vice
president thereof. He is now president of the State Veterinary
Society, which he has represented as delegate on different
occasions, on September 5, 1910, being delegate to the National
Conservation Congress at St. Paul.
In politics the doctor is a
Republican, and although he declined on several different occasions
to accept the office of alderman, takes an active interest in the
administration of local public affairs. Socially he is identified
with the Royal Arcanum and the Independent Order of Redmen, having
held all the chairs in both organizations, and is also a member of
the Equitable Fraternal Union, the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Presbyterian church. He is an ex-president and the present treasurer
of the Presbyterian Brotherhood of Rochester.
In 1892 he was married to Miss Mary A. Markham,
born and married in the house where the Anderson family resides, and
to them have been born: Margaret, August 26, 1893, now a junior in
the Winona Young Ladies’ Seminary; George James, August 4, 1894;
John Markham, December 7, 1895; Mary Louise, April 5, 1899, died
March 10, 1900; and Mary Agnes, December 5, 1902. The family
occupies a high position in church and social circles of Rochester.
Mrs. Anderson’s birth occurred March 1, 1862, in Rochester, and she
was here reared and educated. She is a prominent member of the
Parish Aid Society of Calvary Episcopal Church, is an ex-president
of Minnesota Rebekah Assembly and secretary of the local lodge, is a
charter member of the local lodge of that organization, and is
serving her seventh year as director of the Odd Fellows’ State Home
at Northfield. She, her husband and daughter Margaret are members of
the Royal Neighbors, of which she is at present Vice
Oracle.
ARMSTRONG, EDWARD G. -----
was born May 26, 1840, and is a son of Augustus S. and Phoebe
(Higbee) Armstrong, who were married in New York and in 1813 settled
in the Western Reserve, Ohio. They were farmers, lived useful and
honorable lives, and finally passed away, the father in 1862 and the
mother six years later. Among their children who became prominent
are the following: Thomas H., who graduated from the Cincinnati Law
School, practiced at High Forest, member of the constitutional
convention, member of the Minnesota House and Senate, elected
lieutenant governor, died as a banker in 1890, at Albert Lea. Moses
K., born in 1832, surveyor of Mower county, territorial treasurer of
Dakota, member of the Dakota territorial legislature, deputy United
States surveyor, member of Congress, conducted hotel and bank at St.
James, Minnesota. Augustus, born 1836, studied law, was United
States marshal of Minnesota, member of the Minnesota House and
Senate.
Edward G., the subject of this
sketch, received a good education in the common schools, academies
and seminaries. In 1862 he enlisted in the One
Hundred and First Ohio Regiment with the rank of sergeant. He served
in the Army of the Cumberland and participated in eighteen
engagements, among which were Chickamauga, Atlanta, Nashville,
Franklin and others. He was wounded at Kingston, Georgia, while on
the skirmish line and was taken from the field to the hospital by
Chapin Cravath, the founder of Fisk University, Nashville.
After the war he came to High
Forest and studied law with his brother Thomas. In 1870 he went to
Springfield, Dakota, and was made a member of Judge Brookin’s bar on
motion of Hon. Bartlett Trip. He was admitted to the Nebraska bar in
1876. In 1880 the rapid settlement of Dakota gave him an opportunity
to enter the government survey, which he followed several years.
Later he received an appointment under Major Cramsie of the Indian
Department and for seven years allotted lands to the Indians in
Devil’s Lake Reserve. After this event he returned to High Forest,
was postmaster four years and here he has remained ever since. He is
now engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He is justice
of the peace, notary public and member of the village council. He is
a member of the G. A. R., the Masons, being secretary for ten years
of High Forest Lodge.
In 1870 he married Miss Zadie Hills, whose
parents came from New York in 1854. To this union the following
children have been born: Edna, born in May, 1871, wife of N. P. Tucker;
Charles H., born in 1872, married and resides in Rochester, is
cement contractor, has been county surveyor, deputy United States
surveyor has four children: Albert T., born in 1880, married and
resides at International Falls, where he is or has been city
engineer, deputy United States surveyor, etc.; Daisy, born 1876,
married Mr. W. E. Lamp, a Rock Dell farmer, has three children.
Andrew Nelson Armstrong was born in 1888, and came to live with Mr.
and Mrs. Armstrong in 1899; they adopted him and gave him a good
education. He commenced surveying when only seventeen years old. He
advanced rapidly by his own efforts and recently took and finished
an $8,000 contract; he is now deputy United States surveyor and
earns $200 per month and expenses.
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